NEWS
August 2026
Emergency medical services (EMS) across the country are facing a growing crisis as rising 911 call volumes, largely driven by low-acuity complaints, have strained EMS systems and emergency departments (EDs). This demand puts considerable pressure on local resources, leading to provider burnout, understaffing, fiscal burden, and limited capacity to serve communities.
The rise in low-acuity calls stems from multiple patient-level factors, including patients’ inability to access primary care, lack of transportation, financial concerns, low healthcare literacy, and confusion about appropriate care options. With few alternatives, many patients turn to EMS, leading to ED overcrowding and increased wall time and unit-hour utilization in our pre-hospital systems.
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Stronger Together: Advancing EMS in Louisiana
Thank you to everyone who came out in support of the bills aimed at improving EMS across Louisiana! Your presence truly made a difference.
Having such a strong group in attendance, and being able to share information, perspectives, and voices with the Senate committee was incredibly impactful. Advocacy like this helps move our profession forward and ensures better care for our communities.
A special thank you to Sam L. Jenkins, Jr. for SB 109 and Gerald Boudreaux for SB 221 for their leadership and support in advancing these important efforts.
We appreciate each of you who took the time to stand behind SB 109 and SB 221. Together, we are making meaningful strides toward strengthening EMS in Louisiana.
If you weren’t able to attend this time, there will likely be more opportunities in the future. Please stay on the lookout for email updates and requests for presence at the Capitol. Your voice is important, and we hope to see you at the next opportunity!
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